I found this Chinese film in the book 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, as with many titles featured in the book, I was hoping for something worthwhile and that would deserve its placement, it certainly sounded like something that could be good. Basically it is about the life and career of 1930s Chinese movie star Ruan Ling-yu (In the Mood for Love's Maggie Cheung, also as herself). She was China's first prima donna of the silver screen, emerging as a star of the silent screen by her twenties, and becoming known as "the Chinese Garbo". Ruan started as a background actress at the age of sixteen, with short appearances and small parts, eventually gaining leading roles, she starred in over a dozen films, many have been lost, but those that remain are still well-received. But Ruan had a troubled personal life, she was having an affair with a married man, and gained negative criticism from the press. Various public issues and intense private problems resulted in Ruan committing suicide, she poisoned herself with an overdose of barbiturates, leaving a note that apparently read "gossip is a fearful thing", there was also rumours of her lover being hostile to her, she was 24 years old. The film switches between documentary style interviews by those who knew Ruan Ling-yu, the cast and crew of this film, and recreations of her most famous films, including the critically acclaimed The Goddess. Also starring Chin Han as Tang Jishan, Lawrence Ng as Zhang Damin, Tony Leung Ka-fai as Cai Chusheng, Carina Lau as Li Lili, Cecilia Yip as Lin Chuchu and Waise Lee as Lai Man-Wai. Cheung gives a splendid performance as the troubled but talented actress, I personally know of the real actress from watching The Goddess, which was a brilliant performance, it is a tragic story of the rise to stardom and the pressures it brings, the most memorable scenes are the recreations of the famous films, overall it was a fairly good period biographical drama. Worth watching!
Review of Center Stage
